Rotation structure of operating member for game machine, and video game device

ABSTRACT

A game-machine operation-member rotation structure  3  is provided in which an operation member  31  attached to a rotation shaft  34  supported so as to rotate is turned right and left, including: a moving body  352  which protrudes in the radial direction of the rotation shaft  34 , rotates together with the rotation shaft  34  and moves freely in the axial direction; a spiral guide  36  which is concentric with the rotation shaft  34  and moves the moving body  352  in the axial direction as the rotation shaft  34  rotates; and a stopper which is disposed on a movement locus of the moving body  352.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a game-machine operation-memberrotation structure and a video game apparatus in which an operationmember attached to a rotation shaft supported so as to rotate is turnedright and left.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, a game-machine operation-member rotation structure hasbeen known in which an operation member is turned right and left that isattached to a rotation shaft which is supported so as to rotate. FIG. 9is a side view of a conventional game-machine operation-member rotationstructure. A conventional video game apparatus is provided with a dummysteering wheel 100 as the operation member. To this dummy steering wheel100, the game-machine operation-member rotation structure is attachedwhich includes: a main shaft 102 which has a rotation shaft 102 a thatis supported on a pair of bearings 101 so as to rotate, and a screwshaft 102 b that is connected to this rotation shaft; a moving plate 103which is screwed on the screw shaft 102 b; a pair of columnar supportshafts 104 which each penetrate a hole that is formed in eachpredetermined position above and below this moving plate 103, and extendin the directions parallel to the main shaft 102; and a stopper 105which is disposed at each end of this support shaft 104.

If an operator turns the above described dummy steering wheel 100 to theright from its middle position (i.e., the position in which the movingplate 103 is in the position shown in FIG. 9), the main shaft 102 alsorotates clockwise. This rotation of the main shaft 102 causes the movingplate 103 to move, along the support shafts 104, in the directions apartfrom the dummy steering wheel 100. Then, if the dummy steering wheel 100is turned to the right by one or more rotations to reach a predeterminedposition, then the moving plate 103 comes into contact with the stopper105, so that its further movement is restricted. On the other hand, ifthe dummy steering wheel 100 is turned to the left, the main shaft 102also rotates counterclockwise. This causes the moving plate 103 to move,along the support shafts 104, in the directions close to the dummysteering wheel 100. Then, if the dummy steering wheel 100 is turned tothe left up to a predetermined position beyond one rotation, then themoving plate 103 comes into contact with the stopper 105. Thereby, thedummy steering wheel 100 is restrained from being further turned.

In such a conventional game-machine operation-member rotation structure,a screw shaft and a moving plate screwed on this will change arotational force which is given to an operation member into a movementforce in the thrust directions. Then, the moving plate moves on to apredetermined position and comes into contact with a stopper, so thatits movement is stopped. Therefore, when the moving plate is kept incontact with the stopper, or immediately before it comes into contact,if the rotational force which is applied on the operation membercontinues or remains, then after the moving plate has come into contactwith the stopper, an excessive rotational force works on thescrew-structure part between the screw shaft and the moving plate. Then,this screw-structure part (e.g., a thread) can be worn out, deformed andthen broken, thus producing so-called shakiness. Besides, the stoppercan be destroyed, and in an aspect which has the function ofautomatically restoring the operation member to a reference position,the above described shakiness may affect a control system for therestoration.

In order to resolve the above described disadvantages, it is an objectof the present invention to provide a game-machine operation-memberrotation structure and a video game apparatus which are capable ofstably holding a position in which a moving body comes into contact witha stopper, even if an excessive rotational force is applied on anoperation member.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In order to attain the above described object, a game-machineoperation-member rotation structure according to the present invention,in which an operation member is rotated right and left, the operationmember being attached to a rotation shaft which is supported so as torotate, characterized by including: a moving body which protrudes(directly or via a member) in the radial direction of the rotationshaft, rotates together with this rotation shaft and moves freely in theaxial direction; a spiral guide (including a spiral and a substantiallyspiral) which is concentric with the rotation shaft and moves the movingbody in the axial direction as the rotation shaft rotates; and a stopperwhich is disposed on a movement locus of the moving body.

According to this configuration, the rotation shaft is rotated when anoperator turns the operation member. Thereby, the moving body whichprotrudes from the rotation shaft is united and rotated with therotation shaft. Then, it is guided on the spiral guide and moves in theaxial direction. In other words, when the operator turns the operationmember, an external force is applied on the operation member in theturning direction. This external force causes the moving body to rotatein the same direction and move in the axial direction. Then, the movingbody comes into contact with the stopper which is disposed at each endof the spiral guide. Thereby, the moving body is restrained from moving,and the rotation shaft is also hindered from rotating. Hence, a curb isdirectly placed on the moving body which rotates together with theoperation member. This can eliminate the conventional disadvantage inthat the screw-structure part may be worn out. Therefore, the movingbody's contact with the stopper can be stably held.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a video game apparatus using a dummysteering wheel according to an embodiment of the present invention,showing its external appearance.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a dummy steering portion shown in FIG.1, showing its whole part.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the dummy steering portion shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4A is a partially longitudinal-sectional view of the dummy steeringportion, showing the relation between a main shaft 34 and a moving body35. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the main shaft 34 and themoving body 35.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the dummy steering portion which corresponds toFIG. 3, showing a state in which the dummy steering wheel is turnedrightward to the maximum.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the dummy steering portion in a y-positionshown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the dummy steering portion which corresponds toFIG. 3, showing a state in which the dummy steering wheel is turnedleftward to the maximum.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the dummy steering portion in a z-positionshown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a conventional operation-member rotationstructure.

BEST MODE FOR IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, an example of the embodiment of the present invention willbe described using FIG. 1 to FIG. 9.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a video game apparatus using a dummysteering wheel according to an embodiment of the present invention,showing its external appearance.

This video game apparatus displays a virtual automobile race in a gamespace which is performed by a player. It is configured by a game-machinebody 1 and a driver's seat 10 in which a player sits down. They areunited or semi-fixed to each other on both sides at their bottoms.

The game-machine body 1 includes a console box 1A, and at its upperpart, a monitor 2 for displaying an image is provided opposite to thedriver's seat 10. In an operation panel below the monitor 2, there isdisposed a dummy steering portion 3. A gear shift lever 4 is placed onthe left of the dummy steering portion 3. Besides, in the lower part ofthe game-machine body 1, a brake pedal 5 and an accelerator pedal 6 areprovided which simulate a brake pedal and an accelerator pedal so that aperson can step on them.

In the game-machine body 1, a control portion 7 is embedded whichincludes a control substrate or the like and controls the progress(e.g., the display of an image) of an automobile-race game on a monitorscreen. In the control portion 7, an operation signal is inputted fromthe dummy steering portion 3, the operation portion 4, the brake pedal 5and the accelerator pedal 6. It processes those kinds of signals basedon a predetermined game program, so that a game proceeds.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a dummy steering portion shown in FIG.1, showing its whole part. FIG. 3 is a side view of the dummy steeringportion shown in FIG. 2.

The dummy steering portion 3 includes a dummy steering wheel 31, and amain shaft 34 which supports the dummy steering wheel 31 so that it canbe turned. The dummy steering portion 3 is provided with a base 32 whichhas upright walls 320 that are opposite to each other in the depthdirections. In the base 32, bearings 33 are disposed at both uprightwalls. A main shaft 34 is supported so as to pass through these bearings33, 33. On the main shaft 34, a moving body 35 which has a predeterminedlength is fitted from outside between both bearings 33. The relationbetween the main shaft 34 and the moving body 35 will be described withreference to FIGS. 4A and 4B.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show the relation between the main shaft 34 and themoving body 35. FIG. 4A is a partially longitudinal-sectional view. FIG.4B is a cross-sectional view (in a w-position). In FIGS. 4A and 4B, inthe main shaft 34, a groove 331 is formed at its substantially middlepart. The groove 331 lies at a suitable place in the circumferentialdirections and has a predetermined length in the axial direction. Themoving body 35 includes a cylindrical member 350, and a key member 351which protrudes at a proper place in the circumferential directions onthe inner surface of the cylindrical member 350. The key member 351 isattached by a screw or the like. This key member 351 is fitted into thegroove 331, so that the moving body 35 is united and rotated with themain shaft 34. Besides, the key member 351 is set to be shorter than thegroove 331 in the longitudinal directions. Thereby, the moving body 35is designed to be able to move by a predetermined distance in thelongitudinal directions over the formation region of the groove 331. Inaddition, on the cylindrical member 350, a protrusion body 352 whichprotrudes from the outer surface of the cylinder is fixed at a part inthe circumferential directions and preferably substantially in themiddle in the longitudinal directions. In this embodiment, theprotrusion body 352 is formed by an upright shaft body 3521, and aroller 3522 which can rotate around the shaft body 3521. In the roller3522, at least its surface is made of, desirably, an elastic material.

In FIG. 2, a support plate portion 321 is disposed in the upper part ofthe base 32. Besides, above this, a spiral guide member 36 is fixed atits peripheral edge on the support plate portion 321. It has a helicalshape and its axial center line lies in the main-shaft directions. Thespiral guide member 36 is formed by processing a belt-shaped platematerial into a helical shape. Its internal diameter is set to be fittedfrom outside on the cylindrical member 350. In this embodiment, thisspiral guide member 36 has a helix of substantially three rounds, sothat the dummy steering wheel 31 can be turned up to an angle beyond atleast one turn in the right and left directions. Besides, stoppers 361a, 361 b jut out on the support plate portion 321 and at both ends ofthe spiral guide member 36. The stoppers 361 a, 361 b are located tointerfere in the turning orbit of the protrusion body 352 in the movingbody 35. Thereby, the protrusion body 352 is restrained from turning.

Specifically, as the main shaft 34 rotates, the protrusion body 352 inthe moving body 35 is turned around the main shaft 34. This turn causesitself to come into contact with and rub against the helical surface ofthe spiral guide member 36 (in this embodiment, the roller 3522 rollsand moves on the helical surface). Thereby, the moving body 35 is movedin the axial direction. Then, if the dummy steering wheel 31 is turnedby a required angle, the protrusion body 352 comes into contact with thestopper 361 a or 361 b in the circumferential directions. Thereby, thedummy steering wheel 31 is kept from turning further. On the other hand,even if the dummy steering wheel 31 is turned in the opposite direction,then in the same way, it comes into contact with the stopper 361 a or361 b at the other end. Thereby, it is restrained from turning beyondthis.

Next to the support plate portion 321 (on the downside in FIG. 2) on thebase 32, a drive portion is fixed, for example, a motor 37. It has arevolution shaft 371 which is parallel to the main shaft 34 or isdirected toward this side. To the revolution shaft 371, a pulley 372 isattached at its tip. To the main shaft 34, a pulley 342 which has arequired diameter is attached on the side of the dummy steering wheel31. Between the pulleys 342 and 372, an endless belt 373 is stretched,so that a driving force from the motor 37 can be transmitted to thepulley 342.

On the other hand, a gear 343 is attached to the depth-side end of themain shaft 34. On the depth side of the base 32, a variable resistor 38is attached as a turning-angle detecting means. The variable resistor 38includes a rotation shaft, and to this rotation shaft, a gear 381 isconnected which engages with the gear 343. Therefore, the rotation ofthe main shaft 34 is detected by the variable resistor 38. As a result,the turning angle of the dummy steering wheel 31 can be detected. Forexample, when the dummy steering wheel 31 is in its neutral position orin the position so that the vehicle runs straight, an output voltagefrom the variable resistor 38 is set at 2.5V. The output voltage is alsoset to 0V when it is turned to the maximum in one direction, and it isset to 5V when it is turned to the maximum in the other direction. Inthat case, if an output voltage is detected from the variable resistor38, the position in which the dummy steering wheel 31 is turned can bedetected. The motor 37 receives a detection result from the variableresistor 38, and generates a torque so that the output voltage of thevariable resistor 38 becomes 2.5V. Hence, a servo control system isconfigured. Besides, according to a right-and-left turning angle fromthe neutral position, control is executed so that a torque forgenerating a reaction force can be produced. This gives an operator afeeling that the operator is really driving when turning the dummysteering wheel 31.

Next, a turning operation and a turn-restraint operation of the dummysteering wheel 31 will be described using FIGS. 5 to 8. FIG. 5 is a sideview which corresponds to FIG. 3 at the time when a dummy steering wheelis turned right to the maximum. FIG. 6 is a sectional view (seen fromthe side of the dummy steering wheel 31) of the dummy steering portionin a y-position shown in FIG. 5.

If an operator gives a right-turning force to the dummy steering wheel31 in the neutral position shown in FIG. 3, the main shaft 34 is alsorotated in the right direction. Together with the rotation of the mainshaft 34, the roller 3522 of the protrusion body 352 rolls in contactwith the helical surface of the spiral guide member 36. The protrusionbody 352 (which is located in the middle of its movement locus in theneutral position) also moves along the helical surface. As the roller3522 moves along the helical surface, the moving body 35 is moved alongthe groove 331 of the main shaft 34 in the direction apart from thedummy steering wheel 31.

Then, the dummy steering wheel 31 is further turned rightward, theroller 3522 comes into contact with the stopper 361 b and is restrainedfrom rotating. This stopper 361 b on the depth side has a hollow contactsurface which is fitted on the curved surface of the roller 3522. Tothis hollow part, a rubber member 3610 is stuck as an elastic member.

Thereby, even if an operator attempts to turn the dummy steering wheel31 beyond the right restraint position, the operator cannot turn thedummy steering wheel 31. Besides, the roller 3522 comes into contactwith the rubber member 3610, thus preventing an impact from being givento the stopper 361 b when it comes into contact. In addition, thestopper 361 b has the hollow shape so as to be fitted on the curvedsurface of the roller 3522. This effectively prevents the stopper 361 bfrom being worn out in its part which comes into contact with the roller3522.

FIG. 7 is a side view which corresponds to FIG. 3 when the dummysteering wheel is turned leftward to the maximum. FIG. 8 is a sectionalview (seen from the side of the dummy steering wheel 31) of the dummysteering portion in a z-position shown in FIG. 7.

If an operator gives a left-turning force to the dummy steering wheel 31in the neutral position shown in FIG. 3, the main shaft 34 is alsorotated in the left direction. Together with the rotation of the mainshaft 34, the roller 3522 of the protrusion body 352 rolls in contactwith the helical surface of the spiral guide member 36. The protrusionbody 352 also moves along the helical surface. As the protrusion body352 moves along the helical surface, the moving body 35 is moved alongthe groove 331 of the main shaft 34 in the direction of the dummysteering wheel 31.

Then, the dummy steering wheel 31 is turned leftward, the roller 3522comes into contact with the stopper 361 b and is restrained fromrotating. This stopper 361 a on the side of the dummy steering wheel 31has a hollow left-hand surface which is fitted on the curved surface ofthe roller 3522. The rubber member 3610 is stuck to this hollow part.

According to this configuration, even if an operator attempts to turnthe dummy steering wheel 31 beyond the left restraint position, theoperator cannot turn the dummy steering wheel 31. In the video gameapparatus according to this embodiment, according to the above describeddummy steering portion 3, the dummy steering wheel 31 can be moved by atleast one right turn and one left turn from the neutral position.

If an operator turns the dummy steering wheel 31, the turning angle ofthe dummy steering wheel 31 is detected by the variable resistor 38.Then, the output voltage which corresponds to this turning angle istransferred to the control portion 7. Based on this output voltage, thecontrol portion 7 moves and displays an automobile virtually driven bythe operator which is displayed in the monitor 2. For example, if anoutput voltage of 2.5V is detected by the control portion 7, theautomobile is oriented forward and displayed. If an output voltage above2.5V which indicates a right-turn angle is detected by the controlportion 7, the automobile is displayed so as to move rightward by thedegree which corresponds to the turning angle. On the other hand, if anoutput voltage below 2.5V which indicates a left-turn angle is detectedby the control portion 7, the automobile is displayed in the monitor 2so that it moves leftward by the degree which corresponds to the turningangle. Besides, if the operator releases the dummy steering wheel 31after turning it from the neutral position, the motor 37 gives arotating torque to the pulley 342 so that the output voltage of thevariable resistor 38 becomes 2.5V. Thereby, the dummy steering wheel 31is automatically returned to the neutral position. In addition, themotor 37 is adjusted so as to apply a predetermined torque in thedirection opposite to the operator's turning direction and generate areaction force required when the operator turns the dummy steering wheel31.

In this way, an operator turns the dummy steering wheel 31, and thereby,a dummy automobile can be moved in an arbitrary direction. Therefore, aracing game is executed in which the operator drives on a winding racingcourse and competes to reach a goal point from a starting point ahead ofothers.

As described above, in the video game apparatus according to thisembodiment, even if an operator turns the dummy steering wheel 31 up toa restraint position, the stoppers 361 a, 361 b can bear an externalforce which is produced by a turning operation of the dummy steeringwheel 31 in a radial direction (i.e., a turning direction of the dummysteering wheel 31). Thereby, a direct restraint is place on theprotrusion body 352 which can be turned together with the dummy steeringwheel 31. This eliminates a conventional disadvantage in that aspiral-structure part is worn out. Hence, the protrusion body 352'scontact with the stopper 361 a or 361 b is stably held. Thereby, despitean impact at the time when the protrusion body 352 comes into contactwith the stopper 361 a or 361 b, their contact surfaces can beeffectively prevented from being deformed. Therefore, even if the dummysteering wheel 31 is designed to be automatically restored to theneutral position, then without affecting a restoration control system,the dummy steering wheel 31 can be constantly returned with precision tothe neutral position.

Furthermore, there is no need for a member which changes an externalforce which is given by an operator into an external force in the thrustdirections. This helps reduce the production cost of a video gameapparatus. Besides, by changing the position of the stopper 361 a or 361b, or the length of the spiral guide member 36, a turning angle at whichthe dummy steering wheel 31 is restrained from turning can be easilyvaried.

Especially, the present invention is applied to a case in which a dummysteering wheel is designed to be turned beyond one round, as is the casewith the dummy steering portion 3 according to this embodiment. In sucha case, according to the configuration of a spiral guide, a moving bodyand a stopper which is disposed on a movement locus of the moving body,the dummy steering wheel can be effectively restrained from turning.

Herein, the stoppers 361 a, 361 b are formed on both sides of the spiralguide member 36. However, both stoppers 361 a, 361 b may also be formedotherwise, as long as they are disposed on a movement locus of theprotrusion body 352 and at an interval at the time when the protrusionbody 352 turns by a predetermined number of rounds.

Moreover, the spiral guide member 36 is not necessarily a helical shape.Any other shapes are included, as long as it can lead the protrusionbody 352 to turn and move in the axial direction of the main shaft 34.Herein, the protrusion body 352 not necessarily includes the roller3522. The protrusion body 352 may also be a protrusion which can beguided and moved by the spiral guide member 36.

Herein, the present invention is not limited to a structure in which thedummy steering wheel 31 is turned. It can be applied to a game-machineoperation-member rotation structure which turns, at least forward andreversely, an operation member attached to a rotation shaft that issupported so as to rotate.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In the game-machine operation-member rotation structure according to thepresent invention, as an operator turns an operation member, a movingbody rotates in the turning direction of the operation member, moves inthe axial direction and comes into contact with a stopper. Therefore, anexternal-force load on the stopper becomes lighter than that in thethrust directions (i.e., the axial direction of a rotation shaft).Thereby, even if the operator turns the operation member by applying anexcessive force shortly after the operation member is restrained fromturning or after it is restrained, the operation member can beeffectively prevented from turning further. This helps sufficientlyprevent the stopper structure from being deformed and also helps stablyhold the moving body's contact position with the stopper.

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application Serial No.2003-0902 16, filed on Mar. 28, 2003, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

1. A game-machine operation-member rotation structure comprising: a basewhich is provided stationary on said structure; an operation memberrotatable right and left, the operation member being attached to arotation shaft which is supported so as to rotate; a moving body havinga protrusion which protrudes in the radial direction from the rotationshaft, the moving body and the protrusion rotating together with therotation shaft and moving freely in an axial direction of the rotationshaft; a spiral guide which is provided fixed stationary to said baseand concentric with the rotation shaft and moves the moving body in theaxial direction as the rotation shaft rotates; and a stopper which isdisposed on a movement locus of the moving body and is engaged by directrotational displacement of the moving body by rotation of the rotationshaft.
 2. The game-machine operation-member rotation structure accordingto claim 1, wherein at least the part of the stopper which comes intocontact with the moving body is an elastic member.
 3. A video gameapparatus, comprising: the game-machine operation-member rotationstructure according to claim 1, wherein the operation member is a dummysteering wheel for an automobile; and further comprising animage-display controlling means for moving a virtual vehicle in a gamespace as the dummy steering wheel is rotated.
 4. A game-machineoperation-member rotation structure comprising: a base which is providedstationary on said structure; an operation member rotatable right andleft, the operation member being attached to a rotation shaft which issupported so as to rotate; a moving body which protrudes in the radialdirection from the rotation shaft, rotates together with the rotationshaft and moves freely in an axial direction of the rotation shaft; aspiral guide which is provided fixed stationary to said base andconcentric with the rotation shaft and moves the moving body in theaxial direction as the rotation shaft rotates; and a stopper which isdisposed on a movement locus of the moving body and is engaged by directrotational displacement of the moving body by rotation of the rotationshaft, wherein: the moving body has a cylindrical member which is fittedon the rotation shaft so that the cylindrical member slides freely, akey member which protrudes inward from the cylindrical member, and aprotrusion portion which protrudes outward from the cylindrical memberand slides on the spiral guide; the rotation shaft has a groove portionin the axial direction; and the key member is fitted into the grooveportion so that the cylindrical member can move in the axial directionof the rotation shaft.
 5. The game-machine operation-member rotationstructure according to claim 4, wherein the protrusion portion is formedby a support shaft which stands in the radial direction, and a rollerwhich is provided on the support shaft.
 6. A game-machineoperation-member rotation structure, comprising: a base which isprovided stationary on said structure; a rotation shaft rotatablesupported on the base; an operation member which is attached to therotation shaft and is rotatable by a user to right and left directionsso as to rotate said rotation shaft; a movable assembly having acylindrical member which is fitted on the rotation shaft so as to rotatetogether with the rotation shaft and to move freely on the rotationshaft in an axial direction of the rotation shaft; said movable assemblyhaving a protrusion portion which protrudes radially outward from thecylindrical member and includes: a support shaft which extends in aradial direction of said rotation shaft; and a roller which is providedrotatably on said support shaft; a spiral guide provided stationary withrespect to said base and concentric with said rotation shaft, saidspiral guide being configured to guide the movable assembly to slidealong said rotation shaft in the axial direction as the rotation shaftrotates said movable assembly so as to engage said roller in rotationalcontact with the spiral guide such that said engagement of said rollerwith said spiral guide displaces said movable assembly in said axialdirection; and a stopper provided on said base which is in a movementlocus of the protrusion portion of the movable assembly such that atleast part of the stopper comes into contact with the protrusion portionby direct rotational displacement of the protrusion portion by rotationof the rotation shaft and the stopper is an elastic member and such thatsaid stopper thereby restricts rotation of said rotation shaft.
 7. Thegame-machine operation-member rotation structure according to claim 6,wherein: the cylindrical member has a key member which protrudes inwardfrom the cylindrical member; the rotation shaft has a groove portion inthe axial direction; and the key member is fitted into the grooveportion so that the cylindrical member is movable in the axial directionof the rotation shaft.
 8. The game-machine operation-member rotationstructure according to claim 6, wherein at least the protrusion portionengages the stopper by rotational movement of the protrusion portion. 9.The game-machine operation-member rotation structure according to claim6, wherein the stopper is fixed stationary on the base.
 10. Agame-machine operation-member rotation structure, comprising: a basewhich is provided stationary on said structure; a rotation shaftrotatable supported on the base; an operation member which is attachedto the rotation shaft and is rotatable by a user to right and leftdirections so as to rotate said rotation shaft; a movable assemblyhaving a shaft mounted member which is fitted on the rotation shaft soas to rotate together with the rotation shaft and to move freely on therotation shaft in an axial direction of the rotation shaft; said movableassembly having a protrusion portion which protrudes radially outwardfrom the shaft mounted member; a spiral guide provided stationary withrespect to said base and concentric with said rotation shaft, saidspiral guide being configured to guide the movable assembly to slidealong said rotation shaft in the axial direction as the rotation shaftrotates said movable assembly so as to engage said roller iii rotationalcontact with the spiral guide such that said engagement of said rollerwith said spiral guide displaces said movable assembly in said axialdirection; and a stopper provided fixed relative to said spiral guidewhich is in a movement locus of the protrusion portion of the movableassembly such that at least part of the stopper comes into contact withthe protrusion portion by direct rotational displacement of theprotrusion portion by rotation of the rotation shaft and is an elasticmember and such that said stopper thereby restricts rotation of saidrotation shaft.
 11. The game-machine operation-member rotation structureaccording to claim 10, wherein: the shaft mounted member has a keymember which protrudes inward from the shaft mounted member; therotation shaft has a groove portion in the axial direction; and the keymember is fitted into the groove portion so that the shaft mountedmember is movable in the axial direction of the rotation shaft.
 12. Thegame-machine operation-member rotation structure according to claim 10,wherein at least the protrusion portion engages the stopper byrotational movement of the protrusion portion.
 13. The game-machineoperation-member rotation structure according to claim 10, wherein thestopper is fixed stationary on the base.
 14. The game-machineoperation-member rotation structure according to claim 10, wherein themovable assembly includes: a support shaft which extends in a radialdirection of said rotation shaft; and a roller which is providedrotatably on said support shaft.